Reviews

Driving Impression

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The continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses Nissan’s D-Step shift logic, to mimic the distinct shifts of an automatic transmission; it works, to remove most of the high revving of a CVT, but it still drones a bit. And sometimes it’s slow to respond. When the V6 has been running casually for a while, and you suddenly need power, the CVT delays the delivery. The strong V6 must hate being stifled, all that torque going to waste.

The 3.5-liter V6, new with the latest technology last year, is quite quick for what it is, with a zero to sixty time of less than seven seconds.

The suspension is fairly firm, significantly stiffened for 2017. The ride is still comfortable; you can feel the bumps, but it’s not harsh. And the handling controlled, with hydraulic-electric power steering that’s fairly quick, well-weighted, and has decent on-center feel.

The Pathfinder is lighter than you expect it to be, given its size and appearance, so you can pitch it back and forth on choppy roads, and it won’t freak out like its heavier rivals. But first check the tires; the low-rolling-resistance tires on some models, both 18-inch and 20-inch, don’t have the grip that the chassis can handle.

There’s some torque steer in front-wheel-drive models, but not in the all-wheel-drive versions, which send most of the power to the front wheels until it’s needed in back for traction or stability. The driver can select front-wheel drive only, maximizing fuel efficiency, or a locked all-wheel-drive mode to distribute power equally front and rear. Meanwhile, the system moves power from side to side, as needed.

The Pathfinder has less ground clearance than a Subaru Outback (whose CVT is the best), but it handles ruts with stability, while the locking center differential provides more traction offroad than most rivals.

Walk Around

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The nose and tail are both blocky, to make the Pathfinder look more like a truck; the similar-sized Murano is the Nissan crossover that looks like a crossover (if not a space ship). On the truck-like Pathfinder, a bold chrome grille completes the disguise.

The overall lines go back to crossing over, with a long hood, raked windshield, flowing side creases with chrome touches, and upswept third window. The shapes, angles, and directions somehow make the Pathfinder look smaller than it is. You have to stand up against it to appreciate its enormity, mid-size or not.

Interior Overview

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The cabin stays true to the incongruous styling, where a glossy dashboard meets the soft matte material on the door panels. The plastics are hard and fabrics are unremarkable. The Pathfinder finds some influence from its elegant sibling the Infiniti, but not here.

The touchscreen is hard to clean, with its pinch and swipe control on tile icons, part of the NissanConnect infotainment system and its connectivity. There are two interior colors, Charcoal and Almond.

The Pathfinder does a good job of balancing comfort, access, space and storage. There is a lot of elbow room, cupholders in the door pockets and center console along with two big trays, map pockets on the front seatbacks, no less than three bottle holders in each rear door, and cupholders on each side of the third row.

The comfortable front seats have good back support but little side bolstering, while the driver has a lot of adjustment. Our seat time included a long trip on the highway, and we have no complaints. The lack of bolstering doesn’t do a thing for cornering, but the Pathfinder isn’t a vehicle to be tossed around anyhow.

The bench seat in the second row slides back and forth 5.5 inches for legroom, as long as there’s no one in the third row. It slides and folds to gain access to the third row, with a feature called Latch and Glide that allows child seats to stay in place even while the seat partially collapses. But not if a child is in it. The little ones will have to climb out, for the bigger kids to get in the third row.

The second row is not so comfortable, because the rear seat has a leaned-back, legs-splayed seating position. It’s the compromise for its folding capability, to improve third-row access.

The optional third row is roomier than most, with short, flat cushions that sit quite low, providing headroom enough for early teens but not fully grown people. It actually rakes back a bit.

With all the seats up, the Pathfinder has only 16 cubic feet behind the third row. With both rows folded, there is a solid 80 cubic feet of cargo space, still nothing like the massive 116 cubic feet in Chevrolet Traverse, but that’s a full-size SUV.

The Pathfinder keeps away vibrations and road noise better than some others in the class.

Summary

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Good ride, even better handling, great V6, 22 mpg with awd. CVT not as smooth as an automatic. Third row more useful than other mid-size crossovers. A million bins and cupholders. Super safe. Blocky styling makes it look like a truck. Perfect for a family with four kids and a pet.

Sam Moses contributed to this review, with staff reports.

Model Lineup

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2018 Pathfinder models include S with front-wheel drive ($30,790) or all-wheel drive ($32,480), SV, SL, and Platinum. (Prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.)

Nissan plans to roll out several upgrades at the 2017 Greater Milwaukee Auto Show

Looking for a New Nissan? Warm Up Your Winter with a Trip to the 2018 Auto Show

When you're looking for fun activities in the wintry weather, there's nothing more invigorating than taking a walk around the auto show. If you've had your eye on some Nissan cars, you'll be excited to catch an early glimpse of the exciting new models. With such a diverse array of vehicles available, there's bound to be a Nissan that would fit perfectly into your driveway-and your life.

Check Out This Year's Auto Show Schedule and Visit the Nissan Display

With future fuel prices uncertain, car show attendees will be thrilled to see that the wallet-friendly 2018 Altima will be one of the featured vehicles out on the floor. Known for its tendency to sip gas instead of guzzle it, the Altima has also been praised by Edmunds for its efficient engines and "distinctive styling".

The 2018 Maxima is another head-turner that will be featured on the floor, and this year's model happened to receive a particularly glowing review from Car and Driver. Not only did the review praise the Maxima's exceptional value for the money, but the writers also refer to its engine as "gutsy" while mentioning the many marvelous features that are available on the base model.

Another amazing automobile featured at the 2018 Auto Show Milwaukee is the magnificent Murano. Edmunds has highlighted the crossover's powerful motor and status as an upscale vehicle in its class.

The head-turning 2018 Pathfinder is another gorgeous vehicle that will receive its moment in the spotlight at the Auto Show Milwaukee Wisconsin. Car and Driver recently called out its good looks and handy third row.

Those in the market for a peppy crossover will definitely want to stop by and slide into the 2018 Rogue for a quick glance. Known for its great gas mileage on the highway, this vivacious vehicle is a must-see.

Consistently one of the most popular cars on the road, the Nissan Sentra will also be making a dazzling appearance at the Milwaukee Car Show 2018. This automobile has become famous for its reliability and excellent value; don't miss the chance to see it in person.

Of course, drivers who crave a thrill will also want to accept their chance to sit behind the wheel of the 2018 Nissan GT-R. With a whopping 565 hp and a sporty suspension that can take turns like no other, it's no wonder that so many reviews have crowned the GT-R with some of the highest praise imaginable. You have to see it in person to believe it.

Next, the 2018 Nissan Titan is sure to attract a great deal of attention. Able to tow over 9,000 pounds, this perfect pick-up will be one of the most imposing vehicles out on the floor.

Car Shows Near Me and the Boucher Difference
If you decide you want to take a look at some of these vehicles before the auto show, then why not stop by Gordie Boucher Nissan in Greenfield, WI or Boucher Nissan in Waukesha? With 19 locations around southern Wisconsin, there's bound to be a Boucher near you. After all, there's a reason why employees love working for Boucher and consistently select it as a top place to work; the job is all about making life easier for the customers, who thrive when they buy the vehicles of their dreams.
With a streamlined process that has been developed over many years, the team at Boucher works to get you the best possible deal. Their lengthy list of lenders makes it all possible. When you prioritize customer service, craftsmanship and extraordinary value, it's time to drop by Boucher!